Hostal Las Olas
I almost didn’t write this blog post because I think some things in the world should remain secret and sacred because they are just too special. Hostal Las Olas very much falls into this category.
Of the dozens of hotels/hostels/guesthouses etc. Adam and I booked during our time backpacking South America, Hostal Las Olas is by far one of the most special and memorable. And I don’t say that lightly.
The attention to detail (in every sense) at Las Olas is something that you notice immediately when stepping foot on the hotel’s grounds. The design and layout of each suite is impeccable – SO carefully considered, SO lovingly created and SO well maintained that it could honestly give any 5 star hotel a run for its money.
Here is why Hostal Las Olas will forever be one of my favourite hotel stays in the world…
The Backstory
Las Olas, translating to ‘the waves’ in Spanish, is the brainchild of Martin Stratker – the owner and architect – originally from Germany but who now lives in Bolivia.
Martin’s background in sculpture, art and carpentry helped him in being able to bring his hotel vision to life, alongside a close-knit team of local builders.
It’s impossible not to be taken aback by Martin’s utterly unique and visionary approach to creating an accommodation wonderland up on a steep hill overlooking Lake Titicaca.
In keeping with the subject of nature and natural forms, you soon begin to notice that none of the architectural forms on site incorporate straight lines. From the stained glass windows to the fences – everything curves, dips and moulds.
Las Olas is something only a genius could come up with.
The Rooms
Staying in a suite at Las Olas is something akin to staying in a childhood fairytale dream house. When you book a stay here, you will be booking into a ‘suite’ rather than just a ‘room’.
Immaculate, perfectly self-contained, with painstakingly well curated layouts that are unique to each individual suite structure (of which there are 12 as of this piece going live).
Each cabin is modelled on a particular natural shape, such as a snail shell. No two cabins are alike, are generous in size and offer comfortable interior design features that just make sense.
There are playful elements that explore height and scale, with certain features being set on different levels (yes, some of the cabins have stairs!). Light is also abundant at any suite at Las Olas, with the use of whimsical and multi-coloured stained glass windows at each property.
All suites also come with their own little terrace/outdoor space. This is normally a grassy or paved plot of land that incorporates lots of lush greenery, plants and flowers. As you can imagine, this attracts wildlife like hummingbirds and other cool creatures. You will also more than likely have a hammock or two to luxuriate in at your leisure. I would highly recommend bundling up in some layers during the night and lay out watching the stars. It is a magical experience!
With the shape of the buildings being the way they are, all of the furniture inside them has been custom made to sit neatly within each individual suite. From the bedframes to the kitchen counters- everything is bespoke.
There is also the quaint little addition of a mud wood burner in each room, perfect to create a cosy ambience when the temperatures plummet at night time. And, if you aren’t confident in lighting your own fire, a member of staff normally checks in and offers to do it for you!
Something you will also notice when you come and stay here is that there is always staff about taking care of whatever needs to be tended to on the grounds.
The Views
I challenge anyone to find better views than those on offer from each suite at Las Olas.
Each cabin is designed in such a way that is not only incredibly beautiful and functional in itself internally, but it also incorporates the stunning views of Lake Titicaca. You will notice that the focal point of each suite is centred around that hypnotising crystal blue of the lake.
The windows at Las Olas are bespoke and huge, making sure you get panoramic views of the lake at all times, no matter where you stay on the property.
The pièce de résistance when it comes to the views has to be being able to watch the sunset over Lake Titicaca from the outdoor hot tub… it is a pinch me moment!
Did you know? Copacabana is located at an altitude of 3841 metres.
The Location
Las Olas immediately captures your curiosity as you travel into Copacabana. The quirky outlines of the suites protrude from the Bolivian hillside in dramatic silhouettes and pops of colour. Aside from the blinding and glistening blue of the glorious Lake Titicaca opposite, Adam and I were immediately drawn to the fantastical architecture that was so unlike anything else in the small town… or really anywhere outside of Disneyland!
It has to be said that Copacabana in Bolivia is a far cry from its namesake Brazilian neighbourhood! With an estimated current population of approximately 15,000 people, Bolivia’s Copacabana is often described as ‘quiet’ and ‘sleepy’.
Most people see it as a quick stop-off before travelling further into Bolivia or heading out to Peru as there isn’t a long list of sights to see (more on that later). But I think as with anywhere, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
We enjoyed exploring Copacabana for the reasons why so many other travellers didn’t – it’s peaceful and slow-paced. With beautiful weather, scenery and a thriving indigenous community you can learn a lot about Bolivian culture, history and traditions here.
The Mission
From my understanding the whole concept of Las Olas came about with the desire to be as self-sustaining, ecologically-friendly and supportive of the local environment as possible. The introduction of this style of accommodation to the magical little town of Copacabana was something the owner did mindfully and dutifully.
From the hiring of local tradespeople and using as much locally sourced building materials as possible during the building phase, to then ensuring that workers employed at the hotel are from the local community to continue to give back to the local economy for future generations, was incredibly inspiring to learn about.
Natural building materials like mud, brick and stone have been utilised to minimise environmental damage as there is less need for importing expensive materials.
I recently discovered that particular care was also taken to build around or incorporate established features of the natural land (like big boulders or a tree, for example) and not disturb them unnecessarily. The architecture working alongside the land and its natural, rugged environment is heartwarming.
The hostel recycles as much as it can, from waste to water. Solar panelling is also used as a means of generating electricity.
The Animals
It’s always fun to discover that your accommodation has a furry friend or mascot on premises. At Las Olas, the mascots are definitely a little more unique than your usual cat or dog!
This hotel is home to a motley crew of alpacas that roam their kingdom at their leisure. There is no place that is off-limits to them – it was very entertaining to find alpacas eating the grass outside your front door in the morning or peering through a window in the communal kitchen space. They are cute, harmless and incredibly characterful creatures.
You can even request to take part in feeding the alpaca – where else would you get such a brilliant opportunity?!
Las Olas has lots of characterful hens roaming freely too. They are very tame and some are happy to be held and stroked. Alongside being cute, the hens play an important role here – they supply eggs for guests. The communal kitchen space offers guests the use of free eggs throughout their stay. We loved having fresh eggs each day for breakfast!
Lake Titicaca
There is undoubtedly magic in the air in Copacabana, and this is largely due to the immense spectacle that is Lake Titicaca. Famed for being the highest lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake in South America, there is something incredibly mesmerising about its immensity.
Formed over 60 million years ago, it is believed that the lake is the birthplace of the Incas. Legend has it that the Incan god of creation emerged from Lake Titicaca to create the universe, sun, moon and stars.
During the day, Lake Titicaca lies perfectly still, its vastness mirroring the wild Andean landscape it hugs, its surface glittering in unbroken sunlight. By night, the lake is swallowed up into the pitch black, star-splattered sky. You definitely get a sense of this being a sacred and deeply spiritual place.
Having experienced the lake on both the Peruvian side as well as the Bolivian, I would say that you get the most uninterrupted view of Lake Titicaca here in Copacabana.
Dining
With most rooms coming equipped with a compact kitchen space, you may want to do what we did when we stayed, and head down to the local market to gather up some ingredients to cook food for yourself.
There is also a communal kitchen space area which can be utilised by guests, which comes in handy if you arrive before check-in time or have to check-out and then wait for onward transportation.
However, if cooking is not your strong suit, then rest assured there are restaurants nearby offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Ask any of the Las Olas team and they will be able to direct you.
Things To Do Nearby
Copacabana is definitely more of a laid-back travel destination. I would recommend it for those looking to relax, hike and soak up the majesty of Lake Titicaca.
Some of my recommendations of things to do while visiting Copacabana are:
- Visit Isla Del Sol by boat
- Hike La Horca Del Inca
- Marvel at Lake Titicaca
- Explore the local market (operating daily)
- Visit Cerro Calvario
- Check out the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana
- Watch the ‘Bendiciones De Movilidades’ car blessings
A One Of A Kind Stay
There is a certain kind of charm at Las Olas that can only exist when a handful of key criteria that make up a one-of-a-kind stay are met. Those for me are:
- An incredible location
- Unparalleled attention to detail all round
- Environmental/impact on local area/people considerations
- Unique design
- A passionate owner and equally dedicated staff
And then there is that all important ‘je ne sais quoi’. That thing that makes you feel like the most special guest on earth, while at the same time offering a relaxing in-the-background sense of feeling entirely at home. Las Olas manages to do just that.
For some people a hotel is just a place to rest your head, but here I will say that the stay itself is very much a key part of the main attraction of Copacabana.
Do yourself a favour if you ever find yourself in Bolivia and make spending a couple of nights at Las Olas part of your itinerary. You can thank me later.
Address: Final Calle Michel Pérez, Copacabana, Bolivia
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
